Restaurant missing

[l2ridehd]

There is one type of place that seems to be missing in The Villages. There is no high end special place to dine. A place where you go for a special occasion. Someones birthday or anniversary, or to celebrate a special event. Somewhere you can get a great meal with a really good bottle of wine and that extra special level of service. Somewhere you need to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. Every place the size of here usually has at least one and sometimes more then one such place. I have not even found it in the surrounding area. I am sure there are a few in Orlando or Tampa, but there should be something closer.

So where do you go for that special event? I am talking about a place where the salad plus entrée is $40 plus and a good wine is $60 so you end up at well over $100 plus for two and are happy with what you paid because it was so good. And usually there are more nightly specials then there are menu items. Not a place you would go even once a month, but only when you wanted something very nice. I realize most all of us are on a fixed income, but we still want that special place once in a while. Where do you go?

[zcaveman]

Lopez is my choice for a special meal. I am not a wine drinker so I don't know how much a good bottle of wine would cost at Lopez.

Lopez has booths for privacy and big tables and special rooms for group celebrations.

[BogeyBoy]

It would be nice to have such an establishment for those special occasions.

I guess you could ask for a secluded table at Lopez, but somehow I don't think that fits what you're seeking for that special event.

If you want a nice bottle of wine ask the server for the "other" wine list. I know Palmer has one with some nicer high end wines.

A Seasons 52 or Capital Grille would be nice additions to TV, although maybe not as intimate as you would like for your "special place". I find the food, service, and wine selection a cut above expectations each time I go.

[l2ridehd]

I have been to Lopez many times. Although it is good food, nice place, one I will go back to, it is still two steps below what I am trying to describe. I live in Northern Virginia so I can name places here that meet what I am having difficulty asking about. Boomer where are you? You are articulate enough to put it into words.

But where I live now, I think of places like Café Renaissance (http://caferenaissance.com/), L'Auberge Provencale (http://www.laubergeprovencale.com/restaurant.html), Garisole maybe, and several others. A place I might go twice a year for a really nice dinner to celebrate. L'Auberge has a fixed price menu for $88 per person for 4 courses as an example. I am not rich and I don't waste money, but every now and then you want to do something extra special. Where is that around TV?

[Taltarzac]

There is one type of place that seems to be missing in The Villages. There is no high end special place to dine. A place where you go for a special occasion. Someones birthday or anniversary, or to celebrate a special event. Somewhere you can get a great meal with a really good bottle of wine and that extra special level of service. Somewhere you need to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. Every place the size of here usually has at least one and sometimes more then one such place. I have not even found it in the surrounding area. I am sure there are a few in Orlando or Tampa, but there should be something closer.

So where do you go for that special event? I am talking about a place where the salad plus entrée is $40 plus and a good wine is $60 so you end up at well over $100 plus for two and are happy with what you paid because it was so good. And usually there are more nightly specials then there are menu items. Not a place you would go even once a month, but only when you wanted something very nice. I realize most all of us are on a fixed income, but we still want that special place once in a while. Where do you go?

Tampa's Bern's Steakhouse is quite expensive and gets very good reviews.
http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/


For special occasions it is well worth the trip from TV.
http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/florida/the-tampa-bay-area/review-43111.html

[784caroline]

I also would like a nice place for the special occasion as you describe but your comment "might visit twice a year" is very relevant and to the heart of the issue. People in The Villages enjoy the chain resturant experience and in many eyes, Country Club dining (Lopez, Palmer etc) is upscale. You most likely would have to travel to Ocala or definitely outside of the "bubble" to find what you want. The upscale resturant in or aroud the Villages simply would not get the year round traffic to support it..I mean if you and I who enjoy such dining would only visit twice a year...it would take alot of people to support such an establishment. I mean just look at all the resturants that come and go in and around the villages...in most cases its a service or food quality problem but resturants are hurting today, especially high end resturants. I know I would not want to be investing in such a place in todays economy.

[OpusX1]

Bern's is a very high quality steak house with impeccable service and well worth the drive to Tampa for special occasions. Last time we were there about 7 years ago the wine list was well over 50 pages.

[l2ridehd]

I am sure Bern's would work although never been there. There wine cellar is highly rated and I will check it out. Just want something closer. I don't like having to drive an hour and a half after that type of a dinner.

And as to this area supporting a place like I describe, (Berns is much larger then I am suggesting), the demographics here would support two or three of this type place.

[spk7951]

Two suggestions already given, Seasons 52 and Bern's, are right on and I would recommend either as excellent restaurants.

But if you want something with a shorter drive then I would suggest trying Mark's Prime Steakhouse in Ocala ( http://www.marksprimesteakhouse.com/page/33-4311.htm ).
The drive is about 30 minutes and while it is not Bern's I do feel it is a very good steakhouse with a great wine selection. Have been there a couple of times and have neighbors who make a monthly trip there.

[jblum8156]

I'm afraid I don't agree that TV would support 2 or 3 small upscale restaurants. It seems to me that people here are perfectly willing to settle for mediocre food as long as it's cheap and the service is adequate.
I think it's a sad comment on our community. Living in NY (Westchester Co.) for 40-some years, we would never consider going to a chain restaurant except maybe for a quick lunch. There are oodles of choices from tiny bistros to elegant prix-fixe French restaurants, not all of them super-expensive. I really miss that.
I really don't know if there's anything in Ocala or Gainesville. Maybe someone else knows?

[canuk69]

The answer to your prayers is just down the road in the Ocala Town Square. It's called Mark's Prime Steakhouse and is guaranteed to meet your every expectation. Quality Food, Quality service and a classy environment not available in TV.

Another great choice that would satisfy your taste for Quality and Class is Jeffery Paul's Chophouse in Eustis Florida. Top shelf Steaks and Service and not quite as expensive as Mark's. Ladies receive a long stem Rose on departure.

Either of these are a cut above Berns in Tampa when Class and aesthetics are important to you.

[Tweety Bird]

I have been to Lopez many times. Although it is good food, nice place, one I will go back to, it is still two steps below what I am trying to describe. I live in Northern Virginia so I can name places here that meet what I am having difficulty asking about. Boomer where are you? You are articulate enough to put it into words.

But where I live now, I think of places like Café Renaissance (http://caferenaissance.com/), L'Auberge Provencale (http://www.laubergeprovencale.com/restaurant.html), Garisole maybe, and several others. A place I might go twice a year for a really nice dinner to celebrate. L'Auberge has a fixed price menu for $88 per person for 4 courses as an example. I am not rich and I don't waste money, but every now and then you want to do something extra special. Where is that around TV?

I REALLY understand what you are talking about. We used to live in Sonoma County (wine country) and had vast amounts of excellent choices. I also think what you might be referring to would be more like French cuisine. What comes to mind for me was memories of Masa's in San Francisco, French Laundry in Yountville (Napa County)..the list is endless. TV doesn't seem to cater to quaint, intimate dining. It deals with tons of people and crowds and loud noise levels. Lots of chain restaurants. I DO love many different chain restaurants, but I definitely understand that "upper end" service of fine dining that you are searching for. If you find it, let us know! And, I might surmise that you aren't really looking for a "steak place" either.

I often wonder when people are hearing impaired, what restaurants would work for them? (just a side thought).

Would love to hear what you will find. Please keep in touch.

[The Great Fumar]

Believe it or not !! The ELKS LODGE in Ocala is one of the classiest restaurants in the area......... Yes , You do have to be a member or a guest
Soft music while eating is always good for the digestion ....

Burp fumar....:plane:

[l2ridehd]

You hit it exactly tweety. I also have spent lots of time in Napa and Sonoma and there is many quality restaurants and you named a couple.

As to this area supporting those type places, do the math and you find that it would. Those type places do a maximum of 100 table turns a night Friday and Saturday and about 50 another 4 nights every week. That is 400 a week at 2.9 diners per table and 2 visits a year by a couple requires a total of around 15,000 patrons to support. We have 70,000 people in TV and another 500,000 within 45 minutes. So you could put one in TV, one in Ocala, one in Leesburg and support them all very easy.

[golf2140]

A couple of higher end restaurants made a try of it in Spanish Springs. Both went under not long after opening. The folks in TV dine out five plus evenings a week. They cannot afford $50.00 to $100.00 bills every night. We would rather have a middle of the road restaurants so we can conserve our home electric bill !!!!! :beer3:

[Sally Jo]

When we first moved here, in 2001, Hacienda was considered "high end." Men had to wear a sport coat and tie. Women dressed up. Lenny Wilson and his trio entertained. It didn't make it. I don't think people want to bother getting dressed up anymore, at least not often enough to make a go of it. Granted there were a lot fewer people living here. Maybe now it could be successful.

[Grill Meister]

Of course, demographics dictate the types of businesses located in given areas. I, too, would like something a little more upscale than we have in TV, although, Nancy Lopez is an excellent choice. Bone Fish is also a good selectiion for TV. Although, the residence in TV seemingly prefer more casual and less expensive dining than you outlined, I would think that we could support an elegant dining restaurant for those "special occassions", but the restauranteers apparently don't agree and it's their money.

Berns in Tampa is a long-standing and outstanding restaurant, and although it is an hour and more to drive, it is well worth the time it takes for a fantastic experience and the wines a parexcellence and steaks will make your tongue slap your tonsils out. Tampa also has some excellent Spanish/Cuban cuisine and you might check out The Columbia restaurant in Ybor City....a Tampa surburb.

Not in the category you outlined, but still of note in Ocala, are Ipanema and Latinos y Mas, which provide a little different flair in cuisine.

[Villages Kahuna]

...invest a lot of your hard-earned savings in a restaurant that would only appeal to a limited number of diners, and then mostly for special occasions? If those limited number of diners came from the population of The Villages in January thru March, how well do you think such an establishment might do in the 6-7 summer months when TV population is dramatically lower?

If one looks at the original question from the viewpoint of the restauranteur who would be making the investment and taking the risk, I think the answer is obvious.

[golfnut]

l2r, I am curious, what are your thoughts on Bone Fish?....gn

[actor]

and there is no way a place like that would be patronized by the vast majority of villages residents.

[l2ridehd]

I really like Bonefish. I go to the one there or the one here in VA, probably once every couple weeks. But Bonefish is a long long way from a high end great place to eat.

And I still disagree with most folks who have posted abount the area not supporting that type place. Perhaps many have tried, but they failed for a different reason, not the venue. Probably food quality or service quality, that is why most don't make it. If every villager went to a place as defined once every 5 years, the place makes it. If the area around here everyone went once every 35 years it makes it. I agree that type place is not for everyone. But there are enough it would appeal to to succeed.

[Russ_Boston]

I think some people miss the point about the type of place LK2 is looking for. Most likely it will not have the words steak or chop in their title. Not that a great, usually expensive, steak house doesn't whet my appetite. What we're talking about is the type of place, as LK2 mentioned, where the nightly specials are the reason to go. The chef sees what product looks the best when s/he purchases it and creates some great specials from it. Yes it can be pricey but it is usually worth it. And yes I know that it's sacrilegious but since we don't drink wine (well at least my wife doesn't :) ) it can be a reasonable cost for us.

[Autoshow]

Nancy Lopez,so far the best in The Villages

[Freeda]

It's not in The Villages, but a new restaurant in Ocala will supply the fine dining experience you are seeking

cuveewineandbistro.com

[pqrstar]

What The Villages does have is a former White House Chef.

I think he comes into homes and prepares private dinners.

[jtdraig]

Several posters have hit the nail on the head. There isn't going to be the kind of place you are looking for here (within the Villages), it would never be economically feasible. When we wanted a special occasion we go to Victoria & Alberts at Disney ($700 for dinner, exquisite wines, and tip)..and believe me that was a REAL special occasion, our 40th wedding anniversary:beer3:. You can find outstanding restaurants in Tampa, Orlando, and Ocala which, in my opinion, will be the only places in this region where you will find a place like you want in our lifetime. We have "very nice" places like Lopez, Palmer, Glenview, etc. but nothing that is first class like you seek.

[jblum8156]

I really wish that Villagers who have been here longer than I have (just 4 months) would list the names of the best restaurants in Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, etc. By best, I mean what we've been talking about: special occasion restaurants. It would be very helpful to newcomers like me.

[spk7951]

I really wish that Villagers who have been here longer than I have (just 4 months) would list the names of the best restaurants in Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, etc. By best, I mean what we've been talking about: special occasion restaurants. It would be very helpful to newcomers like me.

I can give you our special occasion restaurants in each of those cities but then again what is our favorite may not be yours.
Ocala - Mark's Prime Steakhouse
Tampa - Bern's Steak House
Orlando - Seasons 52 or California Grill in Disney

I would also suggest checking The Villages Gourmet Club web site. Most of the restaurant listings show price ranges and quite a few have reviews. http://thevillagesgourmetclub.home.comcast.net/~thevillagesgourmetclub/

[jtdraig]

I really wish that Villagers who have been here longer than I have (just 4 months) would list the names of the best restaurants in Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, etc. By best, I mean what we've been talking about: special occasion restaurants. It would be very helpful to newcomers like me.

Join the villages gourmet club...they have reviews on more than 400 in area/out of area restaurants plus a bimonthly newsletter on what's happening with restaurants.

[SNOK]

With a population of 80k+ and still growing with reasonably prosperous retirees, does it not seem likely that the TV community would support a Ruth's Chris or Morton's Steak House type restaurant? I realize they are fairly big ticket operations, but their quality always justifies the price, IMHO. Since I'm not a full time TV resident yet (not much longer), I can't really tell if there would be enough demand for such restaurants by the TV population. I think I would like to have access to a restaurant such as one of these when I get there full time in a few months.

[jtdraig]

Join the villages gourmet club...they have reviews on more than 400 in area/out of area restaurants plus a bimonthly newsletter on what's happening with restaurants.

Here is the contact information for the Villages Gourmet Club:

thevillagesgourmetclub@comcast.net

[DickY]

try this link for The Villages Gourmet Club http://thevillagesgourmetclub.home.comcast.net/~thevillagesgourmetclub/

[memason]

With a population of 80k+ and still growing with reasonably prosperous retirees, does it not seem likely that the TV community would support a Ruth's Chris or Morton's Steak House type restaurant? I realize they are fairly big ticket operations, but their quality always justifies the price, IMHO. Since I'm not a full time TV resident yet (not much longer), I can't really tell if there would be enough demand for such restaurants by the TV population. I think I would like to have access to a restaurant such as one of these when I get there full time in a few months.

I'm with SNOK on this one. There have been several threads that discussed the average or mean income of Villagers. Having a special restaurant would not appear to be an issue of affordability.

[BB14616]

We go to Bonefish, although I wouldn't call that high end. Its just better than going to the country clubs in The Villages, which we consider pretty mediocre dining. Country clubs are fine for lunch, getting a burger, or whatever, but we like something nicer for that special occcasion. There is a restaurant friends in Ocala told us about called Ipanema, catering to steaks from Argentina, very high end and high priced, although we haven't been there. There must be good restaurants in Orlando and Tampa - as others have said, check with the gourmet club.

[zcaveman]

I guess most of you either do not remember or were not here at the time when they "created" Cattle Baron's by separating the top floor from the bottom floor at Katie Belles. They wanted to make it an exclusive club for Villagers. They tried to charge a $300 membership fee with a food and drink minimum and if you did not use the minimum amount, they would bill you at the end of the year. They got very few takers. Then they said priority members had an advantage at a price. No takers. Then it became what it is now. Just another section of Katie Belles where you can make reservations.

As for the prosperous retirees and the average and mean incomes, if you go back to the posts on average and mean incomes, I think you will find that it is the unanimous feelings of the TOTV members that the numbers are inflated by the part timers that still have full time jobs elsewhere or how the people interpreted the questions on whatever form that asked for annual salary. For example, when I first moved here I was on a job elimination salary. If they had asked me how much I made, it would have been a lot higher that what I make on my retirement check and my SS. And that number is what it becomes after you move here full time and stop drawing a salary.

My bottom line here is that I do not think a high end restaurant in TV would make it. And these restaurateurs probably would not think so either after running a financial analysis.

If this area could support a high end restaurant, I am sure that it would have already been built.

[Russ_Boston]

If this area could support a high end restaurant, I am sure that it would have already been built.


I agree. Would have been tried by now. But maybe as TV grows to over 100K size then who knows. Someone will try but I would think it would fail in the long run.

[nkrifats]

I agree. Would have been tried by now. But maybe as TV grows to over 100K size then who knows. Someone will try but I would think it would fail in the long run.
Russ I think you have a good point here. Not even sure if at 100K a high end would make it. Living on my retirement pay in another 15 months compared to todays pay will be totally differnt.

[sunday]

An "up-scale", "fine-dining" restaurant/jazz club & catering company is in the works... I believe slated for late fall 2011. It is not going to be in the Villages though. I spoke with the Chef/Restaurantuer behind it the other week. He has done his homework, and determined, that it will not work "in" The Villages for a few reasons... Primarily, he feels he needs a "neutral" playing field..(Fruitland Park, Wildwood, ect). Locating an establishment of the caliber that's proposed, in The Villages, is a Liability due to the fact that a majority of it's business(for reasons mentioned above) would need to be supported by "non-villagers" who, for the most part, would rather starve to death than enter the Bubble. But as I mentioned, he plans on having it in close proximity to the Villages, but not glof car accessable...More will be revealed

Peace and Love

[Russ_Boston]

An "up-scale", "fine-dining" restaurant/jazz club & catering company is in the works... I believe slated for late fall 2011. It is not going to be in the Villages though. I spoke with the Chef/Restaurantuer behind it the other week. He has done his homework, and determined, that it will not work "in" The Villages for a few reasons... Primarily, he feels he needs a "neutral" playing field..(Fruitland Park, Wildwood, ect). Locating an establishment of the caliber that's proposed, in The Villages, is a Liability due to the fact that a majority of it's business(for reasons mentioned above) would need to be supported by "non-villagers" who, for the most part, would rather starve to death than enter the Bubble. But as I mentioned, he plans on having it in close proximity to the Villages, but not glof car accessable...More will be revealed

Peace and Love

This almost makes it sound like the surrounding area around TV is more affluent. Not sure that is the case. Good luck to him!

[sunday]

No, No... Not the implication at all!
We were not talking about median income... the high side of the surrounding area is a lot higher, the low side is a lot lower so the median is the low side of a wash... we were talking about the difference in "spending habits" of fixed income retirees and the mid-upper income working class... sorry... thanks Russ for the opportunity to clearify.
I think he was also talking of the likely-hood of a "savy" Villager venturing out, opposed to the likely-hood of a non-villager venturing in..

[Russ_Boston]

Ok, got it.

[Bogie Shooter]

I will bet right now that within 3 week of their opening you will read the following on these pages; the service is slow, the soup is served cold, the staff doesn't care, the drinks are over priced, etc. The crititcs will attack as usual.
I too wish them luck.

[Pturner]

No, No... Not the implication at all!
We were not talking about median income... the high side of the surrounding area is a lot higher, the low side is a lot lower so the median is the low side of a wash... we were talking about the difference in "spending habits" of fixed income retirees and the mid-upper income working class... sorry... thanks Russ for the opportunity to clearify.
I think he was also talking of the likely-hood of a "savy" Villager venturing out, opposed to the likely-hood of a non-villager venturing in..

I've wondered before whether non-villagers venture in as often as Villagers venture out. I've wondered if that's why some restaurants don't seem to do well in TV. I've also wondered if a proposed regional performing arts center would actually be more successful if located nearby but outside of TV for the same reason.

Sunday, do you know whether your restaurant friend has a marketing study on the subject? The hypotheses about spending and "venturing" habits are interesting.

[l2ridehd]

I have been to a lot of really great restaurants that have less then 20 tables, where the chef is the owner, his wife runs the business, helps serve, and maybe one waiter/waitress and someone who cleans tables. And the food and service is impeccable. Have found these in NY. Boston, Long Island, Charleston, and many many other places. These are the type of places I would go for a really good meal, a special occasion, and the demographics of TV would support probably 3 of these places. Maybe the best locations would be outside the bubble because of the high rents inside. You don't need a million people to support a really good place. In fact most are usually in smaller towns. Most of you will spend $30 to $40 a person for dinner at most of the places around town, why not $60 to $75 for that birthday celebration, or anniversary. It's only once or twice a year.

[dillywho]

An "up-scale", "fine-dining" restaurant/jazz club & catering company is in the works... I believe slated for late fall 2011. It is not going to be in the Villages though. I spoke with the Chef/Restaurantuer behind it the other week. He has done his homework, and determined, that it will not work "in" The Villages for a few reasons... Primarily, he feels he needs a "neutral" playing field..(Fruitland Park, Wildwood, ect). Locating an establishment of the caliber that's proposed, in The Villages, is a Liability due to the fact that a majority of it's business(for reasons mentioned above) would need to be supported by "non-villagers" who, for the most part, would rather starve to death than enter the Bubble. But as I mentioned, he plans on having it in close proximity to the Villages, but not glof car accessable...More will be revealed

Peace and Love

Based on what I think some on this thread are looking for, I don't think golf cart access would ever be an issue. I can't imagine anyone getting all gussied up (semi-formal or formal) and going out in a golf cart for fine dining/dancing.....not even in a fancy one.